Over the last few days, I took a little break from work and was blessed to be able to do what I love: hang out with my husband and family and practice yoga not only outdoors, but on a BEACH!

Before I left, I fooled myself into believing that I still needed to work while I was on vacation and packed up my computer so I could spend a few hours each morning at work. You would think after all these years I had learned the lesson about taking the time on vacation to truly decompress, but my ego mind was not having any of that nonsense.

The universe, however, had other plans for me. I arrived at my vacation destination, went to unpack, and realized with a sense of horror that I have left the plug for my computer at home.

What? – Gasp – F*%#!

After frantically searching through my suitcase numerous times, I sat for a moment weighing my options. Perhaps I should go buy a new cord, or find a location with computer workstations. I let myself calm down with some deep breathing, and as I did, I came to the realization that the universe was lovingly sending me a message, “Maria, relax, you need this mental recharge. Your body needs this escape from the clutches of your computer.” I packed the laptop away, put on my yoga clothes, and went outside to practice and breathe under a brilliant blue sky.

Aaahhhh, yes, be present, let go, enjoy this time with family, this chance to let your shoulders drop and relax. Thanks, universe, I needed that swift little kick in the ass.

A few days later I got the chance to practice yoga on a beach. You can see from the picture below that I found a beautiful space for my beachfront yoga studio that day. The sand was white, the sound of the waves was magical, and I quickly fell into a state of pure beach yoga bliss.

I’m a fan of hot yoga, but I have to tell you that hot yoga on the beach is the best. With the sun shining down on me, my body temperature was rising, but there was just enough cool in those ocean breezes to keep me from overheating. The combination of all the elements – blue sky, puffy white clouds, idyllic breeze, waves rolling up onto the beach, and a flowing yoga practice – it couldn’t get more perfect!

After I finished my first sun salutation, I stood in tadasana, heart soaring as I gazed out over the magnificent horizon soaking in the beauty of that moment. Just then, a woman walked by with her dog. The dog stopped, crouched down, and proceeded to do his bizness about six feet in front of my yoga mat.

What? Gasp, OMG, Sh&*!

What the hell kind of a message from the universe was this supposed to be?

After my initial horror subsided, all I could do was laugh to help ease the tension of the woman who was clearly horrified that her dog had found his bliss right in the middle of my bliss. Her husband quickly came to the rescue and scooped up the mess as we all laughed together.

I’ve had some funny and memorable experiences when practicing or teaching yoga on the beach, but this one is definitely going down in the records. I’m still trying to figure out what the universe was trying to tell me that day, but I’m sure it was along these lines: Even when you’re doing what you love, shitty things can happen, but you’ve got to let it go, laugh, clean up the mess, and move on.

I did just that and was rewarded with one of the most perfect beach yoga practices ever. I held my crow and headstands longer than I ever had, I meditated for close to thirty minutes after my asana practice, and I truly found my bliss.

Thank you, universe, and keep sending those messages. I’m listening!

Join me in Aruba this coming April 2013 for Beach Yoga Bliss!